First case of West Nile virus confirmed in El Paso
The City of El Paso Department of Public Health has confirmed the first local case of West Nile virus in a 54-year-old man who lives in the 79935 zip code.
The man has underlying conditions and is currently hospitalized. There were four cases of West Nile virus at this time last year in El Paso County, seven cases in all of 2011.
Health Department officials are urging residents to take precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the disease in El Paso.
“We are carefully monitoring the West Nile virus situation and will keep the public informed. We encourage everybody to be aware of mosquitoes and disease they might carry at all times,” said Michael Hill, Public Health Director.
Due to the extremely high number of human cases of West Nile virus in Dallas County, Texas, a state of emergency has been declared in Dallas and mosquito spraying may start as early as Thursday, Aug. 16. Statewide, cases of West Nile virus have increased significantly from the same time last year.
Tips from El Paso Department of Health
The easiest and best way to avoid WNV is to prevent mosquito bites.
When you are outdoors, use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient. Follow the directions on the package.
Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours.
Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children’s wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren’t being used.
What Are the Symptoms of WNV?
Serious Symptoms in a Few People. About one in 150 people infected with WNV will develop severe illness. The severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent.
Milder Symptoms in Some People. Up to 20 percent of the people who become infected have symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Symptoms can last for as short as a few days, though even healthy people have become sick for several weeks.
No Symptoms in Most People. Approximately 80 percent of people (about 4 out of 5) who are infected with WNV will not show any symptoms at all.
For more information on West Nile virus, please visit the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/wnv_factSheet.htm.
